Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Rodriguez.
Hi Mary, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
At Love Your SELFie Studio, we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences through interactive, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. We’re not just a studio—we’re a vibrant destination where families, friends, businesses, schools, and even pets come to capture memories and celebrate life. With more than 25+ themed photo sets that rotate with seasons, trends, and community events, every visit feels fresh, fun, and exciting.
What sets us apart is our commitment to being family-friendly, pet-friendly, and community-focused. From Girl Scout troops and birthday parties to cheer teams, graduations, and local business networking events, we design experiences that bring people together. We also offer a private party room for celebrations of all kinds, and host creative events like Sip & Selfie nights, themed holiday parties, pet photo sessions, and even domino tournaments.
We’re most proud of being called a “hidden gem” and the coolest new hotspot in Port Charlotte. Our bright pink signs, playful mascot “Selfie Sam,” and signature hot pink, black, white, and gold branding make us instantly recognizable. But what really makes us stand out is the joy we create—customers leave with smiles, laughter, and pictures they’ll cherish forever.
Our goal is to give the community a fun, safe, and uplifting place to express themselves, celebrate milestones, and make memories. At the end of the day, we’re not just selling photo sessions—we’re helping people capture their story in the most colorful, creative, and unforgettable way possible.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but that’s what makes the journey so meaningful. Opening Love Your SELFie Studio was a big leap of faith—I poured my heart, time, and resources into building something completely new and different for our community. Like any small business, there have been challenges with visibility, foot traffic, and getting the word out about what a selfie studio even is, since many people have never experienced one before.
I’ve faced the ups and downs of investing heavily into marketing, running promotions, and joining community events, while also juggling the everyday costs of keeping the doors open. At times, it has felt overwhelming—especially when I know how much potential the studio has but we’re still working hard to get consistent flow.
What’s kept me going are the moments that prove this dream is worth it: the families who come in and tell me this was the best birthday ever, the sports teams who celebrate their wins here, the Girl Scouts who light up seeing their themed photo booth, the pet owners capturing memories with their fur babies, and the strangers who leave as friends after a Sip & Selfie night.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been filled with heart, resilience, and a community that’s slowly but surely rallying behind me. I’m proud to say that every challenge has pushed me to get more creative, more connected, and more determined to make Love Your SELFie Studio a lasting part of Port Charlotte.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
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At Love Your SELFie Studio, my work is all about creating a space where people can celebrate themselves, their families, and their milestones in a fun, creative, and unforgettable way. We specialize in interactive, themed photo sets—over 25 different backdrops that change with seasons, trends, and events—so every visit feels fresh and exciting. Whether it’s a birthday party, a girls’ night out, a sports team victory, a family outing, or even a pet photo session, we make sure everyone leaves with memories and photos they’ll treasure.
We’re known for being family-friendly, pet-friendly, and community-driven. From working with local schools and sports teams, to hosting Girl Scout troops and pet adoption events, our mission is to bring people together and give back to the community that supports us. Our private party room also allows us to host everything from bridal showers and graduations to business networking events and holiday parties.
What I’m most proud of is how the studio has been described as a “hidden gem” and the coolest new hotspot in Port Charlotte. Seeing the joy on people’s faces when they experience the sets for the first time reminds me why I started this journey.
What sets us apart is that we’re not just another photo studio—we’re an experience. We provide professional lighting, props, and unlimited creativity, so whether you’re 5 or 75, everyone feels like a star. Our bold branding—hot pink, black, white, and gold—plus our mascot “Selfie Sam” make us stand out visually, but it’s the atmosphere of laughter, confidence, and connection that makes people want to come back again and again.
In short, Love Your SELFie Studio isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about capturing joy, celebrating life, and creating memories that last forever.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is watching people light up. There’s nothing quite like seeing a kid’s face when they run into a themed set, a grandparent laughing behind the camera, or a shy teen leave feeling confident and empowered. Creating a space where strangers become friends, families make memories, and pets get silly and loved — that pure, genuine joy is everything to me.
I also get a deep, steady happiness from building something meaningful for my community. Turning a big idea into a real place where local schools, teams, and small businesses come together gives me purpose. The creative part — designing new sets, dreaming up events, and surprising people with little moments of delight — fuels me every day. Even the hard parts (late nights, problem-solving, and hustle) feel worthwhile because they lead to those moments of connection.
Pricing:
- General Admission – $35 per person
- Selfie with the Besties ( groups of 5) $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://loveyourselfiestudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveyourselfie941
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Love-Your-Selfie-Studio/61576057601937/
